So your kitchen is outdated and you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade to a modern kitchen. It can be an exciting venture, but you are also aware that it can be costly. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce expenses. Laying out a specific budget and remaining aware of it throughout your remodel will allow you to save while still enhancing your kitchen to new heights. Here are steps to creating your dream kitchen that’s still within your budget.
Go Through Your Finances
Go through your finances and figure out how much you’re able to spend. According to HGTV, the average modern kitchen remodel is more than $80,000. If you have a savings account, this is a good opportunity to dip into it. You may also consider using a credit card or taking out a loan, which you can pay off slowly. However, make sure to consider how much interest you will be paying.
Break Down the Costs
In addition to the cost of materials, you will need to consider labor costs. Unless you have a professional background in remodeling and want to do it yourself, labor normally accounts for about 20 percent of costs. If you want to save some money on labor, you can do some of the “easier” work yourself, such as demolition of old cabinets, appliances, and flooring. 50 to 60 percent will be for cabinets and appliances, and the remaining percentage of costs will be for windows, fixtures, and miscellaneous additions.
You will also want to be aware of unexpected costs that may arise as you go through the remodel. If you live in an older home, it’s more likely that you may encounter these surprises, such as mold behind the walls or outdated electrical wiring. These problems tend to be very necessary to repair, and are not something to overlook. It’s wise to consider these possibilities as you begin your remodel. Additionally, while your kitchen is out of order, you will need to eat out more frequently than usual. It’s a good idea to consider how much extra you will be spending on food during this time.
Find a Kitchen Provider
Check out local kitchen providers and see what fits your needs. Leicht New York is a premium kitchen cabinet brand that offers excellent value for money. There are many different styles to choose from, from modern to traditional. Additionally, they offer a free consultation and will work within your budget. Request a catalog and look through different styles and figure out what you want your modern kitchen to look like, whether that will be sleek black cabinets or vintage style wood.
Prioritize
Prioritize your renovations from most important to less important. Do you love to cook, and you’d really love a high-quality stove and oven? Do you love marble, and have always dreamt of crisp white countertops? Maybe you have guests over frequently or a large family, and having a large, efficient dishwasher is more important. Figuring out what is your priority first and foremost for your kitchen renovation will lead you to an end result you’re excited about. You may want to look for more budget-friendly options for your lower-priority renovations. This could mean finding more affordable curtains or ditching the microwave in favor of more natural heating methods.
Stay Conscious
Throughout the remodel, you’ll want to remain conscious of your budget. If unexpected costs arise, you may have to make sacrifices elsewhere. Additionally, you may get carried away and decide “need” cabinet knobs that are double the cost of your original plan. If you are aware of your budget, you will more likely come to your senses and decide it’s best to stick to your original budget plan.
Enjoy
Enjoy your new space! A modern kitchen is the heart of the home, and food brings people together. Whether you decide to cook a solo meal or invite family over to see your new space, use the kitchen as a place to enjoy yourself and relax.